Fruit wrapping machine



Jul 8, 1941. v MVAUGHAN 2,248,290

' FRUIT-WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Ag-g. 4, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 1- f l8! "m M V2217 2w] July 8, 1941. T. M. V AUGHAN 2,248,290 FRUIT WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 4, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 8, 1941. 'r. M. VAUGHAN FRUIT WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Aug 4,1939

7 Sheets-Sheet 4 T. M. VAUGHAN Filed Aug. 4, 1939 FRUIT WRAPPING MACHINE July 8, 1941.

y 1941- T. M; VAUGHAN' 2,248,290

FRUIT WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 4, 1939' 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 8, 1941. M, VAUGHAN 2,248,290

FRUIT WRAPPIIG MACHINE Filed Aug, 4, 1939 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented July 8, 1941 FRUIT WRAPPING MACHINE Thomas M. Vaughan, Tampa, Fla., assignor to Ely Meyer, Hillsborough County, Fla., a trustee- Application August 4, 1939, SerialNo. 288,457-

16 Claims.

This invention relates to wrapping machines and more particularly to machines adapted for wrapping citrus or other fruits and vegetables.

One object of this invention is to provide a completely automatic machine for wrapping fruit-s.

Another objectof this invention is to provide amachine which will automatically apply a wrapperto the fruit.

A further object is to provide a mechanism which will avoid feeding wrappers to the machine when fruit is not in position to be wrapped.

A further object is to provide an improved orange feeding apparatus.

A further object is to provide an improved paper feeding mechanism.

Still another object is to'provide an improved fruit actuated control of the wrapper mechanism.

Other-objects and advantages include means for wrapping the paper closely about the fruit; means to prevent tearing of the paper wrappers; means toquickly rotate the fruit to secure the wrapper thereabout; means for stopping the wrapping operation quickly; and-means arranged toforce the wrapped fruit out of the mechanism.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following description taken. in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate the corresponding parts in the various figures:

Figure 1 is a vertical sideelevation illustrating a preferred: embodiment incorporating features of. this inventive concept.

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the device of Figure. 1.

Figure 3' is a partial vertical section substantiallyon line 3--3 of Figure 4', showing the orange and paper feeding and wrapping mechanisms.

Figure 4: isa partial transverse cross-section substantially on theline 4- 5 in Figure3, showing the orange feeding andpaper feeding mechamsms.

Figure 5 is a partial vertical cross-section taken substantially: on. line 55 of Figures 3 and 4, showing the, interlocked fruit feeding and wrapper feeding mechanisms.

Figure 631s a partial plan View taken substantially on line 65 of Figure 3, and showing the paper; gripping means.

Figure 7 is a partial vertical cross-section taken substantially on line ll of Figure 6, showing the ioldedpaper gripping means.

Figure 8 is a transverse vertical cross-section taken substantially on llne-8'-8 of=Figure'6-, showing another-view of the folded wrapper'gripping means.

i Figure 9-is a-transverse horizontal partial crosssection of the partially wrapped fruit spinning mechanism taken on line 9-9 of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a horizontal cross-section partly broken away, showing the initial wrapping mechanism and correspondingto'a view substantially on line H3-l0 of Figure 3'.

Figure 1-1 is a vertical cross-section substantially online Il-I l of Figure 10, illustrating'the initial wrapping; means on an enlarged scale and in extended position.

Figure 12- is a partial perspective view of one ofthepaper gripping means and'a part of the automatic control means.

Figure 13 is a perspectiveview of the mounting means for one of the paper feeding gripping elements.

Figure 14 is a side elevation indicating the wrapper holding means.

Figure 15 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the paper feed adjusting cam.

Figure 16 is a plan view of the mechanism in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a transverse section of the cam mechanism taken substantially on line ll-ll of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is an enlarged-viewof the combination disc-gear and cam.

In thedrawings', the mechanism as illustrated isapplied-to a single wrapping unit; however, it will be understood that-aplurality'of these units may be assembled upon a single framework.

The oranges orotherfruit; vegetableaetcz, are automatically or manually fed into the conduit or fruit channel It in any suitable manner. The fruit or vegetables move by gravity to the left, in Figure 3; past the stop H, control 12, and downwardly to the discharge outlet [3, at which point they are forced downwardly by an ejecting mechanism I4. Paperwrappers W are stored in a pile it from which they are fed to the left; by the paper feeding mechanism lBand are held in place at Ll below the outlet of the fruit feeding means. The ejector It then forces the fruit downwardly through the relatively movable shutter or wiper I8, during which movement. the fruit is enf'olded within the wrapper. The. flexible fi'aps I9 yieldably engage the. wrapper andurge or wipe it, smoothly and tightly aboutthe fruit being wrapped. The fruit then continues. downwardly in' its movement, and is gripped in the wrapper twisting mechanism 23. While the partially wrapped fruit is held in the twisting means, the upper ends of the wrapper are gripped by the relatively movable arms 2| and 22, after which the arms 23 and 26. move inwardly to firmly grip the edges of the paper. At this time, the twisting mechanism is rapidly revolved five times by means of the disc gear 25, Figures 2 and 18, after which the step cam portion 25 of the gear disengages from the twisting drive and applies a brake to stop the rotation of the wrapped orange. At this time, the next orange is ejected by the ejector means I l, and the completed cycle of operation is repeated.

The machine is arranged to be power driven and to be completely automatic. A conveyor or conduit may continuously feed fruit into the machine inlet ill, resulting in a continuous discharge of the completely wrapped fruit from the outlet 2%. The machine is designed for economical production and operation.

Considering the drawings in greater detail, the fruit conveying chute comprises a bottom 21, preferably composed of three portions extending angularlyat different angles. The initial portion 28 comprises the bottom between the entrance IO and the limit stop II, the portion 29 extending more sharply at an angle more or less between the limit stop II and outlet I3, and the final portion 3v'l comprising substantially a side wall portion of the outlet. The opposite end of this fruit chute is closed by an end-wall 3| and the sides are formed by walls 32 and 33. The outletof the chute is yieldably closed by a series of spring biased pivotal doors or flaps 3d, 35, 38, 37. Each flap is secured to its corresponding abutment 38, v39, 48, ii respectively by hinges 42, utilizing springs 43 to yieldably bias the flaps into outlet closing position.

To assist gravity in moving the oranges or other fruit or vegetables through the fruit chute, an endless conveyor 44 is arranged to move with one strand extending centrally through the initial portion 28 of the chute bottom 21 to controllably and uniformly feed the articles to be wrapped against the limit stop I I, and thereafter past the limit stop and into the wrapping mechanism per se.

Furthermore, in addition to the endless belt 54 carried upon appropriate pulleys 45 and 46, which in turn are secured to the shafts 41 and 48 to respectively rotate therewith, a fruit feeding means 49 is also provided. This latter means comprises two arcuately shaped fruit engaging fingers i] and 5!, Figures 3 and 4, forming wings in pulley 6E and secured upon shaft 48. As the shaft continues to rotate, these fingers pass upon opposite sides of the conveyor 44 and rotate about the shaft 48 through the aperture 5|. The arcuate sides 52 are likewise arcuate in transverse section at 53, providing proper surface for engaging the fruit without harming the same. The spacing and angularity of these arcuate portions are arranged to properly engage oranges, grapefruit, lemons, apples, and other fruits or vegetables of various sizes.

Mounted upon the outer end of shaft 48 is a cam 54 constructed and arranged to operate the limit stop I I, Figure 5. The limit stop is pivotally supported upon the chute by means of the yoke 55, which latteris pivoted at the points 56 and 51 on the sides of the chute, Figures 3 and 4. An arm 58 is likewise pivotally secured at 56 and arrangedto move in unison with the pivotal movement of the yoke 55. The arm 58 extends along the side of the chute for an appreciable distance, as indicated at 58'. The limit stop and these parts are arranged to be biased into the position shown in Figure 3, by means of the spring 59.

The continuous rotation of shaft 48 results in rotation of the cam 54 which periodically engages a portion of the arm 58, thereby withdrawing the limit stop II from the interior of the chute, and as the cam moves along the arm 58 gradually moving the limit stop to a maximum downward position and subsequently allowing it to be restored to the position indicated in Figure 3. This cyclic operation forces a fruit which has been stopped against the limit stop, periodically through the chute.

The continuous rotation of these parts by means of a source of power is obtained from an electric motor Bl), Figure 2, or other source of power, arranged to drive a main drive shaft BI by gearing or belting 82. At the right hand end of this shaft, as viewed in Figure 2, is mounted a sprocket wheel 63. Another sprocket wheel 64 is secured to the outer end of a cross-shaft 65, which latter is located near the level of the wrapping table of the machine. A sprocket chain 66 interconnects the two sprocket wheels and serves as the means for transmitting power between them. The shaft 65 is supported within bearings 51, mounted at opposite sides of the machine and secured to the framework 53. At each side of the chute and secured to this shaft are additional sprocket wheels 89 and "Ill. At the rear of the machine framework is similarly mounted a transverse shaft II, Figure 4, carrying similarly secured sprocket wheels I2 and I3. Rotation of the shaft "H is effected by means of two sprocket chains 'I-l and I5, which encircle the respective pairs of sprocket wheels 'iI'i--I2 and 59'I3. Gear wheels IE-TI are mounted respectively upon the shafts 'II and 48 and thereby effect rotation of the shaft 48.

It will, therefore, be seen that so long as the power means 60 is in operation, the shaft 48 will continue to operate. If desired, however, a clutch may be placed between the power source and the main shaft BI, but since the relative weight of the moving parts is small and the load relatively light, a direct connected power drive can be readily used.

The supply I5 of wrappers W are stored upon the machine so that individual wrappers may be fed into the mechanism for the purpose of wrapping each article of fruit. A pointed member I8 is carried by the bracket 19 and biased by spring into engagement with two or three of the wrappers W. In this manner, it will require a definite application of force to remove each individual wrapper 8|, and a very small tear in the wrapper will occur when it is released from the pin. The individual wrappers, when removed from the storage pile I5, are carried across the wrapping plate 82, which is grooved, as clearly seen in Figure 4, to prevent the wrappers from sticking in the machine.

To effect this feeding of individual wrappers into the machine, wrapper feeding mechanism is provided, including wrapper gripping elements carried at each side of the chute. These elements are carried upon the sprocket chains I4 and I5, and comprise pairs of paper gripping elements 83-433 and 84-84, spacedly secured upon the sprocket chains.

The paper gripping elements are secured upon the sprocket chain by link members 85 having transversely extending apertured arm portions 86. The two link members are spaced by cylindrieal member 81. A backing and adjusting block 88, as seen in Figure 13, is adapted to receive one of the Vertical link elements within the recess 89. The tubular spacer, the two links and the block are secured together by bolt and nut 9'9, which extend through the aperture 9I in the block.

As seen in Figure 12, the bolt 99 has a rounded head 92, which rests against a washer 93, so as to hold the paper engaging pad mechanism, including the pivoted arm 94. The block 88 has integrally formed therewith a bracket arm 95 provided adjacent .its lower end with a receiving slot 86. The upper end of the block is provided with a laterally extending boss 91 which is apertured at 98.

The arm 94 is preferably made of sheet metal of appropriate thickness having an arcuate cam surface '99 extending about its pivot axis, which extends through the bolt 92. A notched slot I98 is arranged in this bell crank shaped member receiving the end I-flI of a spring I02 having its opposite end H33 in slot 95. The spring and these two slotted connections are so arranged as to urge the paper engaging mechanism outward-1y; that is, away from the carrying sprocket upon which it is carried.

Adjacent the opposite end of the pivoted bell crank 94 the metal parts are folded to provide a supporting shelf or base IM. Upon this shelf is secured a paper engaging pad I95, which is of appropriate composition, to suitably engage the paper. It may be a rubber composition or any other suitable material. oppositely disposed along the same general portion of the bell crank is a pin I66 extending laterally therefrom, and arranged for cooperation with other parts of the apparatus, as will be more clearly set forth hereinafter.

An adjusting mechanism for the paper feeding members is provided to allow for variations in paper thickness, as well as for controlling forces exerted upon the paper during the feeding operation. This mechanism comprises a cam or bracket IO'I in the form of an angle, having an apertured arm IE8 which is supported upon a bolt Hi9, threaded into the hole 98 on the block 28. An abutment block wedge-shaped to provide a face I ll normal to the axis of the bolt I69, serves as one abutment for the spring IIZ, which encircles the bolt H39 and abuts the arm we at its opposite end. The lower surface H3 of the block Ii-Il is a backing face for the end of the arm II' l of the angle IO'I. As noted in Figure 12, the arm H4 is tapered to throw the lower face out of parallel with the bolt I99. Turning bolt W9 into or out of the hole 93 a greater or less extent against the compression of spring H2, moves the lower surface of the arm H 3 longitudinally to provide an abutment for the cam-shaped face 99 respectively further away from or nearer to the line of the bolt I09 to position the surface of the gripper H relative to the block '88 in accordance with the desired gripping engagement against the paper. To increase the gripping action of I05, the bolt I99 is retracted, and it is rotated into the hole 98 of the block 88 to decrease gripping action.

The operation of this paper feeding mechanism can now be understood, and takes place in the following general manner: The sprocket chains l4 and T5 moving in the "direction of the arrows, in Figures 1, 3 4, allow-the paper gripping elements 83 and 84, etc. to engage the surface of the uppermost sheet of paper BI. Continued movement of the sprocket chain applies a pulling force to the topmost sheet, tearing it free from the pin 18 and feeding it across the plate 82 until it is centered below the fruit outlet I3. At this point, the paper is engaged by paper holding means, and the paper gripping means is released automatically.

The paper feeding mechanism is driven from the power source 69 as a result of the chain drive inter-connecting the shafts SI and 65 on the one hand, and shafts 65 and "II on the other.

This automatic operation isobtained by control of the paper feeding mechanism on the one hand and control of the paper holding mechanism on the other. The control of this latter mechanism will be discussed first.

The means for yieldably holding the wrappers in position for enfolding the fruit includes wrapper engaging rollers I I5, one of which is pivotally located at each side of the fruit outlet I3. These rollers are iotatabiy supported on spring arms IV; which latter are secured to bearing brackets I I1, and pivotally mounted on shafts H8. The spring arms IIS extend beyond the pivot, having a portion H9 which is engaged by the cam I20 secured to shaft II. The rotation of the shaft II, being coordinated with the other rotating or moving parts of the machine, as previously described, and having a cam surface I29 of proper shape secured thereon, is effective in allowing the rollers H5 to drop into engagement with the wrapper at the proper time. The rollers H5 are heavier to the left of their pivots II8, as seen in Figure 14, so that gravity'urges them toward the wrappers, whereas the cam I29 controls their movement away from and toward the Wrapper.

As seen in Figure 3, a wrapper 8| is being moved into position. The wrapper engaging elements 83 will continue to move to the left, in Figure 3, approximately to the position of the nut 9!, before they are released from the wrapper. At such moment, the cams I29 will have operated to lower the paper holding rollers H5.

This cycle of operation will continue throughout the operation of the machine, with the paper engaging elements normally gripping a sheet of paper moving it into position and then being released therefrom, with the paper holding means engaging the paper when it is released from the gripping means and continuing to yieldably engage it until the fruit is partially enfolded by the wrapper.

The pivot shafts IIB are secured to a downwardly extending bracket IZI, which in turn is fastened to the frame support I22. The latter is secured to frame plates I23 which extend on each side of the machine from the wrapper supply to the opposite end. These frame plates are supported upon the shafts 65 and 1| by means of bearing brackets I24 and [25 respectively.

A metal strap I26 has its opposite ends I2! and I28 secured to the frame plates I23, and is also secured centrally to the wall 3! of the fruit feeding chute.

The automatic control of the paper feeding mechanism release will now be more particularly described. This mechanism is likewise supported upon the frame plates I23, but is secured thereon adjacent the opposite ends from which the paper holding means are mounted.

Guard plates I29 are secured to the frame plates I23 by means of brackets I39 and I M, bolted thereon by the bolts IE2, whichbrackets are integral parts of the plates, as clearly seen by the section in Figure 17. This integral arrangement is the result of the inter-connecting strap or saddle portions I33. The cam I34 is slidably secured upon the plate i253, being mounted to slide in the slots I35 and I35 of the cam by means of pins I31. Cam surface I38 will extend below the pins I56 in their normal travel, having the surface I39 for raising the pin and paper engaging mechanism away from the paper. The upper surface I45 of the cam is such as to carry the cam until the curvature of the sprocket chain moves the pin away from the cam.

For the purpose of adjusting the cam, a threaded bracket MI is secured to one end of the slide cam, and a bracket I42 is integral with the plate I25. A long screw I43 is arranged to engage the threaded aperture into bracket MI and causes the slide cam to move to the right or left. This screw is operated by a thumb wheel I44 and is rotatab-ly secured to the bracket I42 by locking collar I45. A thumb nut I45 is threadably engaged with the screw and can be used to lock the screw against the bracket Iii so that after setting the cam for operation at an appropriate point, further movement of the cam will be prohibited. As clearly seen in Figure 3, the pin I55 will ride up the cam surface and move the member 83 off of the paper.

The feeding of the fruit and feeding of the wrappers has been set forth. The interlocking automatic control of these two feeding mechanisms will now be set forth.

The control l2 includes a pair of pivotally supported fruit engaging gates I41, which are angular in transverse section, as clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5. These gates are located on opposite sides of the fruit chute and are rigidly secured to upper and lower arms i483 and I49 by means of the bolted bracket connection I55, as seen in Figure 3. These arms are pivotally secured to the channel shaped bracket II, which is secured to the outer walls of the chute ID by fastening means I52. The pivotal connection is accomplished by means of the pin 53. The arms I48 and I49 are provided with laterally extending plate portions I54 which extend through the side walls of the chute It and provide the parts directly connecting the brackets I55 to the arms. A study of the various figures shows that these arms and their gates may readily move about the pivot axis I53.

With the gates as thus far described, fruit, acting by gravity, might open the gates of their own weight; however, additional parts of the control mechanism are connected to these arms by appropriate levers in such a manner that the weight of said parts acts against the weight of the fruit, and thereby urges the gates in the position which precludes the passage of fruit. As a result of this arrangement of parts, it is necessary for the fruit to force the gates apart in passage through the chute. The members 55 provide the necessary power to force the gates away from each other. The control from the fruit engaging gates is duplicated at each side of the fruit chute, and the description of the parts at one side of the chute will be sufficient,

it being readily understood that corresponding parts are located at the opposite sides of the chute and similarly numbered.

At each side of the machine is mounted mechanism for controlling the paper feed. This control is accomplished by arranging to hold the paper gripping means away from the paper will be unable to engage the pins I56.

supply during that portion of its movement wherein it can engage the top wrapper W. To do this, guide members I are mounted at either side of the machine to engage the pins I58 and hold the paper gripping pads 84 away from the paper. Brackets I58 and I5! are secured to the longitudinally extending frame element 822 by bolts I56 and I55 respectively. At the upper end of. each of these L-shaped brackets are secured hinge bearings I65, which have their upper portions secured to a longitudinally extending brace I6I which extends between the two brackets, as readily seen in Figure 3. To the outer side of the brace Ilil and adjacent the supporting brackets are secured L-shaped members arranged to jointly support the guide member I55. The L-shaped member I62 is shorter in length than the member IE3, the latter having an upwardly extending arm, at the top of which is located a laterally extending flange I64, extending to- Ward the fruit chute. The guide member I55 is provided with a downwardly extending arcuate portion I55 which allows the pin I56 to gradually approach its normal position.

With the parts as shown in Figure 5, pin Iilt on the paper engaging means during its movement about the shaft ll, will engage the upper surface of the guide I55. This will act against the springs H2, thereby holding the paper engaging pad above the topmost wrapper W. As the sprocket chains continue to move, the paper gripping means will be carried to the left, in Figure 3, and the pin will ride down off of the portion I55 thereby allowing the paper gripping element to return to its normal level of travel. At this point, however, it will have completely passed the wrapper pile i5, so that it will be unable to grip a wrapper.

When fruit passes through the chute Iii, the gates I4? will be forced apart, and in turn will remove the guide just described transversely of the mechanism and into a position whereby it This is accomplished by inter-cormecting the upper flange I54 of the guide carrying arm 653 to the supporting lever system I49 of the fruit gates. A bracket I55, secured to the outer wall of the chute, has a laterally extending arm to which is pivotally connected at I a lever I51. One end of the lever I6! is provided with an elongated aperture I55, and is pivotally connected to the arm I49 by means of the pin I29. Movement of the fruit gates will therefore effect a rocking movement of the lever I61 about its pivot point.

The opposite end of the lever I6! is provided with an aperture I19, similar to an aperture Ill and the flange I54. These two apertures are inter-connected by link I12, tieing together the lever and the L-shaped bracket member.

It will now be understood that passage of the fruit through the fruit chute will cause the gates 547 to move outwardly, as seen in Figure 4, and in turn move the levers I48 and I49 about their pivot points. This will move the right-hand end of the lever I61, in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot, in turn pulling upon the link I12, thereby rocking the entire supporting structure of the guide 55 with the result that the guide is moved to the right, as seen in Figure 5, to such a point that it cannot engage the pins I 06. With the parts as thus described, passage of fruit allows the feeding of a wrapper into position below the outlet of the fruit chute, and a lack of fruit in the chute allows the guide I55 to prevent the feeding of a wrapper into the machine.

The mechanism as thus far described is capable of automatically feeding fruit and Wrappers to the outlet I3 of the chute, and to position them at this point for automatic wrapping. With the wrapper positioned centrally below the outlet I3, and the fruit located above the wrapper, the folding of the fruit within the paper wrapper then takes place to complete the wrapping operation. The first step in this direction is accomplished by the ejecting mechanism I4 which forces the fruit through the spring flaps 34, downwardly against the wrapper. 1

The ejecting mechanism comprises a plunger I13 having an enlarged lower end, which is carried by slide rod I14 arranged to slide through appropriate bearings I 15 carried upon supporting arms I'IG, which are in turn secured to crossmembers at I18 of the framework II'I. Vertical movement of this push-rod I'M is coordinated with the operation of the other parts of the mechanism, and the movement itself is controlled by means of the outer cam I19 secured to shaft 6| by a pin connection I89. Movement controlled by the cam surface is transmitted to thepush-rod by a system of links and levers. The cam follower comprises a roller IBI pivotally supported upon the cam follower arm I82, Which latter is pivoted on the frame at I83 and urged downwardly by means of the spring I84, which latteris secured to the front frame structure at I35 and to the follower arm at I89. The follower itself is supported upon the shaft I81 carried by the oppositely disposed plates I88, which are fastened to the follower arm I82, as indicated.

A bell crank in the form of two separate crank arms I95! and I9! is secured on the shaft I92, which latter is carried by bearing brackets I93 appropriately secured to the frame. The righthand end of the follower arm I82 is connected to the crank arm I90 by a link arm I 94, which is pivotally secured to the follower arm at I95 and to the crank arm at I96. The crank arm I9I is connected tothe push-rod I'M by a link I91.

Rotation of the shaft GI in turn causes the cam I19 to turn, imparting its control surface motion to the follower IIlI. The follower moves in an arc about its pivot point I33, transmitting its motion by link I94 to the bell cranks operating about their pivot axis I92. This motion causes a thrust or pull upon the link I91 resulting in the vertical reciprocation of the ejecting mechanism' I 4.

The downward thrust on the ejector forces the fruit from the outlet I3 down through an aperture in the machine bed plate 52. The opening is surrounded by the shutter mechanism I 8, comprising a series of flexible flaps I9 arranged so that their radially inner ends form a relatively small opening I98. The inner ends of the flaps are yieldably held together by means of a spring annulus 199, which is secured to each of the flap p T u p s rface of the ring I8 is flush th he m c ine p ate .82 and the par s are ranged to be forced into the dotted position by .a fruit moving under the force of the ejector.

As illustrated in detail in Figure 10, the flaps I9 are disposed in overlapping relationship to provide sufficient width to the several flaps for complete contact throughout the circumference of a piece of fruit when the flaps I9 are deflected by the fruit bein projected through the shutter mechanism I8. Pursuant to this purpose, ac-

cording to the disclosed embodiment, there are' two sets of flaps .disposed in face to face relationship held between the rings of the shutter I8 by any suitable means, such as the rivets shown, Figures 10 and 11. In accordance with the shown embodiment, each set of flaps comprises four vanes projecting radially inwardly, each compris ing a quadrant of the circle. The four vanes of each set may complete the circumference of the circle, as shown, or there may be a gap between adjacent vanes of a set. The respective sets of vanes are displaced relative to each other to the extent of 45, to dispose the quadrants of the respective sets of vanes 45 apart. By this means any gap between adjacent vanes of one set, such as occurs when they are projected out of their plane of rest by apiece of fruit, is covered by the body'of a vane of the other set. The annular spring I9 cooperates with the inherent resilient nature of the vanes to press them toward the surface of the fruit throughout its circumference, to wipe the interposed wrapper smoothly against the fruit surface. The spring I99, being disposed on the bottom surface of the lowermost set of vanes, which is the forward surface in the direction of travel of the fruit, provides a spring backing for all vanes to urge them toward the fruit as it is projected through the shutter I8, and to urge the sets of vanes to their planes of rest after the fruit has been projected through the folded wrapper.

shutter.

As the fruit is forced downwardly upon the wrapper 8| and then through the shutter mechanism, the wrapper is firmly, yet yieldably enfolded about the fruit, with the partially enfolded fruit continuing to the twisting mechanism 20. The

shutter flaps close in upon the wrapper and yieldably hold the loose ends of the same. The shutter flaps will have a sphincter-like method of operation with all of its adjacent flaps moving uniformly outwardly to enlarge the circumference of the opening I99, until the partially enfolded fruit has passed through this opening and then the plurality of flaps will be drawn uniformly inwardly to reduce the opening to its normal diameter.

The next step in the fruit wrapping operation will be a more complete folding of the wrapper about the fruit. The continued downward movement of the partially wrapped fruit moves the fruit into the mechanism 29, while leaving the loose ends of the wrapper extending through the opening I99. With the partially wrapped fruit in this position, the wrapper is then more tightly pressed about the fruit. The arms 2| and 22 are moved inwardly to a position where they very loosely grip the loose edges of the partially en- Then the arms 23 and 24 are moved inwardly firmly engaging the loose ends of the wrapper and holding the same in a small compact mass. This is accomplished by a power operated means driven by the electric motor 6-9, through a'control cam 299 secured to shaft 6! at 2B], and by appropriate levers and links to transmit this motion to the wrapper gripping means.

A crank "292 is pivotally supported at 203 upon a horizontal frame member 294, and is biased in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, by means of the spring 295 connected to the crank arm at 296 and to the frame at 201.

The lower end of this crank is bifurcated at 208,

ing parts of the apparatus. The operation of the paper gripping arms is directly controlled by a ring cam 2W, which is rotatably supported beneath the shutter mechanism by a series of channel shaped roller bearings 2| 1, each of which is rotatably mounted upon an appropriate shaft 2l2, which in turn is secured to the machine frame plate 213. The ring cam 2W is freely rotatable in this bearing support, and is arranged to be oscillated therein by the lever 292 moving in response to its cam control 299. The motion of this lever is transmitted to the ring cam by a series of links or levers inter-connecting the lever 282,.and a bracket 2! secured at 2l5 to the ring cam. This connection is so arranged as to provide in effect a universal connection between the lever and bracket to allow for the arcuate motion of the bracket in one plane, and the arcuate motion of the lever in a plane at right. angles thereto. Three links are used for this purpose, comprising link members 2H5, 2|! and 2R8. Links 2H5 and 2H are connected by a pivot 2K9 providing relative movement in one plane, and links 2H. and 2l8 are inter-connected by a pivot 220 providing relative movement in a different plane. Link 2i8 is connected to the bracket by pivot 22!, and link 2l6 is connected to the lever by pivot 222. As a result of this arrangement, links 2IB and 2H serve as a unitary connection between the pivot points 229 and 222, whereas links 211 and 2|8 serve as a unitary connection between the pivot points 2 l9 and Hi.

The effect of the oscillating movement of the ring.

cam 2H] will now be explained.

Arms 2| and 22 are T-shaped in plan view, as clearly seen in Figure 6, having the leg 223 of the T arranged to slide between appropriately slotted guide members 224.

Cam cranks 225 are pivotally supported upon the plate 2|3 by hearing pivots 226. One end of the cam crank is connected at 221 to a link 2223, and the latter is pivoted at 229 upon the leg 223 of the T. The outer surface 230 of these cam cranks is provided with a depression 23] to receive rollers 232 which serve as the actuating means carried by the cam ring. Partial rotation of the cam ring 2!!! in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 6, allows the roller 232 to rotate the cam about its pivot, thereby pulling the link 228 toward the center of the mechanism, and in turn moving the T arm 22 toward the center of the opening. At the same time, the arm 2| moving in the opposite direction and approaching the arm 22, provides a loose gripping of the loose ends of the partially folded wrapper.

Similarly shaped T-head arms 22 and 24 have the legs of the T 233 similarly arranged to move between guides 234 and located at right angles to the just described arms. Each of these arms carries a channel bracket 235, having each leg of the channel apertured to receive a bolt 23S carrying at its outer end a spaced arm element 231, which is yieldably urged toward the central opening of the machine by a spring 238. The radially extending faces of these auxiliary arms are provided with yieldable or resilient surfaces 239 to grip the wrappers. These arms are double, as readily seen in Figure 8, having the lower T cross head 23 and the upper cross head 23?. They are vertically spaced to allow the angularly disposed arms 2! and 22 to slide between them, as readily seen in Figure 8. These arms move radially inwardly, engaging the relatively compacted ends of the wrapper which are relatively loosely held between the arms 2! and 22, and firmly gripped.

Relative movement of these arms is accomplished in a somewhat similar manner to the previously described arms, but by means of a differently shaped cam so that the first set of arms will come together before the second set of arms move inwardly. This movement is accomplished by means of cam 2M! pivoted on the plate 253 by bearings 22!, and having one part of the cam ring connected to a link 242 at 243, with the opposite end of the link connected at 244 to the leg of the T arm. The rollers 245 carried by the ring cam in this case roll upon the arcuate surface 226, without causing any relative movement of the cam crank. However, when the roller reaches the end 241 of this part, it is beyond the fulcrum 2 and causes the cam crank to move about its pivot thrusting the arms inwardly.

These arms carry spring members 243 which ar arranged to smooth the paper about the fruit. Reverse rotation; that is, clockwise rotation of the cam ring 219, results in a restoration of the crank cams to the position shown in Figure 6 and a consequent opening or outward movement of the arms.

The next step in the operation of the machine results in the wrapper being firmly and tightly engaged upon the fruit, as a result of the movement of the twisting mechanism. The twisting mechanism and its operation will now be described in greater detail.

This mechanism comprises a substantially cylindrical sheet metal member 249 which is secured to a bearing annulus 250, having at its lower end a pulley annulus 25!, which latter is arranged to be driven by appropriate belt 252. The bearing annulus is supported upon a plurality of roller bearings 253 supported on the lower face of the frame plate 2|3 by bolted bearings 254.

Within the cylinder 249, a plurality of biased spring elements 255 and 256 are secured at their opposite ends. The spring elements 256 are secured to the cylinder at their upper ends by rivets or other means 25?, extending downwardly and having their lower ends 258 provided with upwardly extending flanges positioned exteriorly of the cylinder. The other alternate series of spring elements 255 are riveted at 259 to the lower end of the cylinder, and have their upper ends 250 provided with flange portions 25I, extending exteriorly of the cylinder. These mechanisms firmly engage the fruit throughout its motion through them, providing a wave motion as a result of movement of the fruit through this device. The enfolded fruit is firmly gripped by these spring elements, and then the twisting mechanism is rapidly rotated approximately five times to tightly twist the wrapper about the fruit. This twisting motion is accomplished by power drive through the belt 252. This belt passes about a pulley .262, which is fastened to shaft 263, which latter is supported upon the framework of the machine by two bearings 254.

The shaft 263, in addition to the foregoing pulley, also carries two pulley wheels 265 and 265 respectively. The former serves as a brake wheel, whereas the latter serves as a cylindrical pinion wheel. A disc-cam wheel 26! is keyed on shaft 51 at 258 and rotates with this shaft. The circumference of this disc-gear is stepped at 25, and the remaining portion of the disc-gear is of such extent'as to rotate wheel 266 five times during one rotation of the disc-gear cam 261. Rotation of this member engages the wheel 266 and spins the twisting mechanism five times, at which time the edge 269 of the cam arrives at the wheel and dis-engages the surface of the disc-gear'from the 'wheel 266. This removes the power drive from the twisting mechanism. The twisting mechanism would continue to rotate, however, but for the purpose of quick and efficient operation, the step portion has a cam face 276 which serves to control a. brake and stopping the rotation of the twisting means. Lever 211 is pivoted upon the machine frame at 212, having at its lower end a cam follower 213, and at its upper end a brake shoe 214. As Soon as the follower rides upon the cam surface, the brake shoe is engaged with the brake wheel 265, and the twisting means is stopped from rotating.

Although a preferred "embodiment of this invention is illustrated and described, variations within the true spirit and scope 'of the same are to be determined by the appended claims.

WhatI claim is:

1. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapper wiper comprising 'an annulus of a size suiiicient to permit passage of the largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed radially to provide a weblilre closure for the annulus, the flaps overlapping each other in their normal position and being of sufiicient width to provide an enclosed passage for the fruit when they are deflected out of their normal position.

2. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapper wiper comprising an annulus of a size sufificient to permit passage of the largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed radially to provide a web-like closure for the annulus, a wrapping mechanism disposed on one side of the wiper, means to transport wrappers successively and to position them across the face of the an- I nulus opposite the wrapping mechanism, means to project the fruit against the wrapper through the annulus and beyond to the wrapping mechanism carrying the wrapper with it, the 'fiaps of the wiper being of sufiicient width to overlapeach other in their normal position and to provide an enclosed passage for the fruit when they are deflected out of their normal position by the passage of the fruit, whereby the wrapper is wiped smoothly against the surface of the fruit.

3. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapper wiper comprising an annulus of a size sufficient to permit passage of the largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed radially to provide a web-like closure for the annulus, a wrapping mechanism disposed on one side of the wiper, means to transport wrappers successively and to position them across the face of the annulus opposite the wrapping mechanism and centered therewith, means to project the fruit against the wrapper through the annulus and beyond to the wrapping mechanism carrying the wrapper with it, the flaps of the wiper being of sufiicient width to overlap each other in their normal position and to provide an enclosed passage for the fruit when they are deflected out of their normal position by the passage of the fruit, whereby the wrapper is wiped smoothly against the surface of the fruit in precise position.

'4. In 'a wrapping machine 'for fruit and the like, a wrapper wiper comprising an annulus of a size'sufiicient to permit passage of the largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed radially to provide a weblike closure for the annulus; a wrapping mechanism disposed below the annulus, means to transport wrappers successively and lay them on the annulus, means to transport fruit successively and position themv upon successive wrappers,

means to project the fruit through the annulus carrying the wrapper with it to and into engagement with'the wrapping mechanism, the flaps of the wiper being of sufficient width to overlap each other in their normal position and to provide an enclosed passage for the fruit when they are defiected out of their normal'position by the passage of the fruit whereby the wrapper is wiped smoothly against the surface of the fruit, and means to operate the wrapping mechanism to envelop'the fruit'in the wrapper,

5. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a 'wrapperwiper comprising an annulus of a size su-fficient to permit passage-of the largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed :r adially "to provide a web-like closure for the annulus, a wrapping mechanism disposed on one sideof the wiper and comprising grippers in li-ne with the annulus, means to transport wrappers successively and position them across the face of the annulus opposite the wrapping mechanism, means to transport pieces of fruit successively into engagement with the successive :5 the wrapper are gathered, laterally movable fingers between the grippers and the annulus, means to move the fingers laterally in timed relationship with the engagement "of the fruit by the grippers to hold the gathered edges of the wrapper, and means to rotate the grippers relative to the fingers to envelop the fruit in the wrapper.

6. In 'awrapping machine for fruit and the like, a ii -rapper wiper engaging the wrapper uniformly throughout thecircurnfe'rehce of the fruit to wipe the wrapper smoothly and precisely against the surface of the fruit, a wrapping mechanism disposed on one side of the wiper and comprising grippers in line therewith, means to project pieces of fruit successively through the wiper and into the grippers each carrying a wrapper with it, the wrapping mechanism including laterally movable fingers between the grippers and the wipers, follower members between the fingers and the grippers, and driving mechanism to operate the wrapping mechanism in timed relationship to actuate the fingers to engage the bunched edges of the wrapper and hold them, to simultaneously actuate the follower members to brush the wrapper smoothly around the surface of the fruit toward the bunched edges, and to return the grippers relative to the fingers while they engage the bunched edges to envelop the fruit in the wrapper.

'7. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapping mechanism comprising grippers to engage a piece of fruit with a wrapper around its surface, fingers movable laterally to hold the edges of the wrapper in bunched condition, follower members movable with the fingers to wipe the wrapper smoothly against the surface of the fruit on the side in the direction of the wrapper edges.

8. In a fruit wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapping mechanism comprising grippers to engage a piece of fruit with a wrapper around its surface, fingers movable laterally to hold the edges of the wrapper in bunched condition, follower members movable with the fingers to wipe the wrapper smoothly against the surface of the fruit on the side in the direction of the wrapper edges, means to rotate the grippers relative to the fingers holding the bunched edges of the wrapper.

In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapping mechanism comprising grippers to engage a piece of fruit with a wrapper around its surface, fingers movable laterally to hold the edges of the wrapper in bunched condition, follower members movable with the fingers to wipe the Wrapper smoothly against the surface of the fruit on the side in the direction of the wrapper edges, means to rotate the gripper relative to the fingers holding the bunched edges of the wrapper a predetermined number of turns and to stop the rotation by braking action in timed relationship.

10. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, Wrapping mechanism comprising grippers to engage a piece of fruit with a wrapper around its surface, fingers to hold the edges of the wrappers in bunched condition, driving mechanism to drive the grippers to rotate them a predetermined number of turns and to apply a brake to the grippers when the predetermined number of turns is completed.

11. In a Wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapping mechanism comprising grippers to engage a piece of fruit with the wrapper around its surface, means to bunch the edges of the wrapper, means to engage the bunched edges of the wrapper firmly near to and yielding more remote from the surface of the fruit, and means to twist the fruit while the edges of the wrapper are held as defined.

l2. Wrapper feed mechhnism for a commodity wrapping machine, comprising gripper fingers to engage the top one of a stack of wrappers and transport it into position to receive the commodity, mechanism to release one commodity from a supply and transport it to the wrapper,

means responsive to a failure of the commodity supply to render the gripper fingers inoperative.

l3. Wrapper feed mechanism for a commodity wrapping machine, comprising gripper fingers to engage the top one of a stack of wrappers and transport it into position to receive the commodity, mechanism to release one commodity from a supply and transport it to the wrapper, means responsive to a failure of commodity supply to shift the fingers out of engaging position in their movement to engage a Wrapper at the wrapper supply.

14. In a commodity wrapping machine, means to place a wrapper in position to be engaged by a commodity, means to transport a unit of the commodity into engagement with the wrapper, grippers, means to project the commodity and wrapper into engagement with the grippers, means to gather the edges of the Wrapper around the commodity and hold them in gathered condition, means comprising an intermittent drive to spin th grippers a predetermined number of turns and to apply a brake when the drive disengages.

15. In a fruit wrapping machine or the like, means to transport pieces of fruit successively from a bulk supply to a position to be wrapped, means to transport wrappers successively from a stack supply of sheet Wrappers to a position to be successively wrapped on successive pieces of fruit, the wrapper feeding mechanism including means to take a sheet of wrapping material at a time from the stack, th fruit transporting mechanism comprising a bin, a chute associated with the bin for aligning the pieces of fruit in order to be delivered from the bin, one by one, means to engage and push the successive pieces of fruit out of chute one by one, and mechanism to transport the pieces of fruit to the wrapping mechanism, detector mechanism operable when the pusher means fails to push a piece of fruit into the transporting mechanism to render the sheet taking mechanism inoperative.

16. In a wrapping machine for fruit and the like, a wrapper wiper comprising an annulus of a size suflicient to permit passage of th largest fruit to be accommodated by the machine, a plurality of flaps of flexible material fixed to the annulus and disposed radially to provide a web-like closure for the annulus, the flaps overlapping each other in their normal position and being of sufficient width to provide an enclosed passage for the fruit when they are deflected out of their normal position, an annular spring backing thefiaps.

a THOMAS M. VAUGHAN. 

